Joseph Francis Thompson

Joseph Francis Thompson

Joseph Francis Thompson, 96, of Prospect, passed away peacefully at his home on June 14, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Joe, affectionately known throughout town as "The Candyman" or simply "Old Joe," was a man whose life was defined by generosity, dedication, faith, and service to others.

Born on April 8, 1930, in Waterbury, he was the son of the late John Thompson and Helen (Lynch) Thompson. Following his graduation from high school, Joe proudly answered his country's call to service by joining the United States Army, serving honorably during the Korean War.

Upon returning home, Joe began a long and successful career as a steamfitter and was a proud member of Local 777. He eventually settled in Prospect with his beloved wife, Joan, where they raised their daughter, Lisa.

A man deeply devoted to his community, Joe was a lifetime member of the Prospect Volunteer Fire Department. His commitment to helping others and his unwavering dedication to the town he loved earned him the respect and admiration of generations of residents.

Known affectionately as "The Candyman," Joe rarely met a stranger. He was famous for carrying and sharing his favorite sweets with everyone he encountered, a simple gesture that brought smiles to countless faces throughout Prospect.

Joe was a man of strong Catholic faith and a lifelong communicant of St. Anthony Church. His faith guided him throughout his life and remained a source of strength and comfort to him and his family.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving daughter, Lisa Decker and her husband, Richard; his grandchildren, Sam Boyd, Jessica Oliver, Michele Copeland, Rebecca Oliver, Anthony Oliver and his wife Danae; and more than twenty cherished great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his five sisters and one brother.

Joe was blessed to remain in the comfort of his home during his final days, surrounded by the loving care of his family. The family extends special gratitude to Anthony and his wife, Danae, and to Lisa and her husband Rick, whose compassion, strength, and unwavering support were a tremendous source of comfort. Joe also found joy and companionship in his beloved cats, Sidewinder, Nelly, Miracle, and Oli.

Friends are invited to visit with Joe's family on Monday, June 22, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Prospect Memorial/The Palmerie Family Funeral Home, 122 Waterbury Road, Prospect. The family requests that guests wear something green in remembrance of Joe.

In honor of Joe's lifelong commitment to the Prospect Volunteer Fire Department, his casket will be brought in procession by members of the department to his Funeral Mass on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Church, 4 Union City Road, Prospect.

Interment with full military honors will immediately follow in Prospect Cemetery.

The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to assist the Thompson family during this difficult time and invites you to share words of comfort and remembrance on Joe's tribute wall at this website.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Francis Thompson, please visit our floral store.